Newcastle United’s hierarchy are reportedly prepared to give a January move for ‘wantaway’ former Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka the green light.

Steve Bruce is keen to bolster his midfield ranks in the winter window and sees Swiss international Xhaka – frozen out the Gunners squad by Unai Emery – as the perfect signing.

And according to the Northern Echo, managing director Lee Charnley is “understood to be willing to sanction such a deal if it could be agreed”.

United are looking to add two players to their squad in January – a midfielder and a forward.

Switzerland's midfielder Granit Xhaka smiles prior to the Euro 2020 football qualification match between Switzerland and Ireland at the Stade de Geneve stadium on October 15, 2019 in Geneva. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — Switzerland's midfielder Granit Xhaka smiles prior to the Euro 2020 football qualification match between Switzerland and Ireland at the Stade de Geneve stadium on October 15, 2019 in Geneva. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) | Getty Images

Xhaka is wanted by Italian giants AC Milan in January, a move which could smoothed by the involvement of former Arsenal director Ivan Gazidis at the Serie A outfit.

United’s hopes are pinned on Xhaka’s want to stay in the Premier League, and get games ahead of this summer’s European Championships.